Great sized attic rooms limited access, go from double to single to get access?

[GiraffeNecked]

We’ve got two double attic rooms that we hardly use as the stairs are v narrow and steep. Old house. We are planning to turn the stairs round and put in a new staircase .

But one of the rooms will have to be smaller to fit the top of the stairs in. It’ll go from a reasonable double to a single. The other big double will be untouched.

It’s a 5 bedroom house.

From a resale point of view I think 4 doubles and a single that you can get too easily is better than 5 doubles where 2 of them are up lethal stairs.

Any thoughts?

You might be able to fit the stairs in if you add a dormer window.

Yes to 4 doubles and a single. Would make a great "suite" for a teen etc.

Is there a bathroom up there?

From what you've said I'd agree with you.

I would prefer four doubles and a generously-sized ensuite in the attic.

This is where an architect or v good builder will be worth their weight.

What’s the ground floor like - is the house ‘top heavy’, ie lots of bedrooms but not much living space? Could you repurpose the new single room as an office or laundry & storage room or play room.

I agree with, realistically how many people need five doubles? Four doubles and an office in the current climate is perfect.

We could put a dormer in, but I’m not sure the cost would be worth it to retain the room in the smaller double. We are already at the top of the budget with other renovations.

I imagine someone will come in and put a bathroom in the smaller bedroom to create a lovely bedroom, bathroom, walk in wardrobe suite upstairs. It’s in the right place in the house pipes wise to do it fairly easily. We don’t plan on doing that though as we don’t need it.

The ground floor is going to have a kitchen diner and downstairs loo in an extension not huge but bigger than what’s there. There’s a sitting room and dining room.

Second floor is main bedroom and en-suite, big spare room that will lose an awkward nook to fit the new stairs in.

Small double back bedroom that we use as a study. And family bathroom.

Attic floor will be spare room and study.

It’s a lot of house for 2 people but in normal times regularly have family visiting and staying.

I agree in principle with 4 doubles and a single with good access being much better, but I would give serious consideration to putting a bathroom in if you plan to sell on.

I think we might get planning for it but I don’t think we’d do it.